Electrochemical heat transfer system

摘要

A heat transfer system includes a working fluid and an electrochemical compressor. The working fluid is made up of a polar solvent that primarily acts as a condensable refrigerant and hydrogen that primarily acts as an electrochemically-active component. The electrochemical compressor includes an inlet fluidly coupled to an evaporator to receive the working fluid; an outlet fluidly coupled to a condenser; and one or more electrochemical cells electrically connected to each other through a power supply. Each electrochemical cell includes a gas pervious anode, a gas pervious cathode, and an electrolytic membrane disposed between and in intimate electrical contact with the cathode and the anode to pass the working fluid.

主权项

1. A heat transfer system comprising:
a working fluid comprising:
a polar solvent that primarily acts as a condensable refrigerant; andhydrogen that primarily acts as an electrochemically-active component, a hermetically sealed housing that defines an enclosure and comprises:
a first thermally conductive wall; anda second thermally conductive wall;
wherein the first and second thermally conductive walls are an integral part of the heat transfer system; a first heat transfer device comprising a condenser that transfers heat from the working fluid through the first thermally conductive wall to a first heat reservoir and is configured in thermal communication with said first thermally conductive wall; a second heat transfer device comprising an evaporator that transfers heat from a second heat reservoir through the second thermally conductive wall to the working fluid and is configured in thermal communication with said second thermally conductive wall; and an electrochemical compressor configured within said enclosure and between said first and second heat transfer devices and including:
an inlet fluidly coupled to the evaporator to receive the working fluid;an outlet fluidly coupled to the condenser; andone or more electrochemical cells electrically connected to each other through a power supply, each electrochemical cell comprising a gas pervious anode, a gas pervious cathode, and an electrolytic membrane disposed between and in intimate electrical contact with the cathode and the anode to pass the working fluid; wherein the polar solvent is transported with the hydrogen across the electrolytic membrane.